When the forecast calls for heavy rain, peace of mind is knowing your basement won’t turn into a flood zone. That’s where a sump pump comes in. It doesn’t get a lot of attention on sunny days, but during storms, it works hard behind the scenes to keep everything nice and dry. However, your sump pump does need some TLC to continue doing its job faithfully.
As your trusted sump pump service provider, S and J Plumbing is here to lay out some simple yet critical maintenance steps you can take as a homeowner to preserve and prolong the life of your system. We'll also go over what sump pump maintenance tasks to leave to the pros and the signs it's time to replace your sump pump. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our other plumbing services, do not hesitate to reach out.
Know the Basics of Your Sump Pump System
Before jumping into maintenance, it helps to understand how your sump pump works. You see, when water collects around your home’s foundation, gravity moves it into a pit called the sump basin. Inside that basin sits the pump. Its job is to move the water out and away from your house to prevent flooding.
There are two main types of pumps: submersible and pedestal.
Submersible: A submersible sump pump sits down inside the basin, completely covered by water when it’s in use. It’s quiet, compact, and doesn’t take up space above the pit. These work well for basements that get wet often or take on larger volumes of water.
Pedestal: A pedestal sump pump has a motor that stands above the basin while the impeller (the part that moves the water) reaches down inside the pit. These models usually last longer and stay out of the water, but they make more noise and take up space around the pit.
Every pump, regardless of type, has a few parts worth getting to know:
- Float switch: This part floats upward as water fills the basin. When it reaches a certain height, it activates the motor. If it sticks or fails, the pump might not run at all.
- Check valve: Installed on the discharge pipe, this valve stops water from flowing backward into the pit once it’s been pumped out.
- Discharge pipe: Water exits the house through this pipe. It runs from the pump to the outside, where it moves water away from the foundation.
- Motor and impeller: These work together to pull water up and out. The impeller spins to create movement while the motor powers the entire process.
Being familiar with where these parts are and what they do can help when something doesn’t sound or look right.
Monthly Visual Inspection
Taking five minutes each month for a quick visual inspection catches small issues before they become big problems.
Start your inspection with the power source. Verify your pump is plugged in and the circuit breaker hasn't tripped. You'd be surprised how many homeowners discover their sump pump disconnected only after finding water in their basement. Next, take a close look at the float switch. Nothing should obstruct its movement since it must rise and fall freely to trigger your pump when water levels change.
While you're there, run your pump briefly and listen carefully. Any grinding, rattling, or clicking sounds might signal worn bearings or impeller problems that need addressing. Examine all visible components, too — look for frayed cords, rust on metal parts, or cracks in the housing that could compromise performance. After heavy rainfall, pay special attention to how water drains from your sump pit. If you notice standing water, your pump might be struggling.
This regular monthly checkup takes minimal time but saves enormous headaches during storm season. Mark it on your calendar alongside other home maintenance tasks. You'll thank yourself when the next big rain comes.
Quarterly Testing of the Pump
Beyond visual checks, you should test your sump pump's actual operation every three months — and always before rainy seasons hit.
Follow this simple procedure:
- Grab a bucket and pour several gallons of water directly into the sump pit until you see the float begin to rise.
- Watch closely, as your pump should activate automatically when water reaches that critical trigger level.
- As it runs, observe how the water drains. A healthy system pumps water out quickly and shuts off cleanly once the water level drops.
- Pay attention to how long this cycle takes. A properly functioning pump empties a full pit relatively fast, so if yours seems sluggish, it might signal an underlying issue that needs addressing.
This practical test confirms all components of your system work together as they should. Unfortunately, many homeowners skip this important check and simply assume their sump pump stands ready for action, only to discover it's failed during a major storm when they need it most.
Clean Around the Pump
Sump pits collect more than water. Debris, silt, small stones, and even toys can find their way into your pit over time, creating potential hazards that jam your pump or block the critical float switch. That is why cleaning your sump pit should happen quarterly as part of your maintenance routine. However, safety comes first — always unplug the pump before you start to avoid any electrical hazards.
Then, begin the cleaning by removing any obvious obstructions like rocks, toys, or larger debris that shouldn't be there. For the finer materials, a wet/dry vacuum works wonders to remove accumulated silt and mud from the bottom of the pit. If your system includes an intake grate, take a moment to clear away any blockages that might restrict water flow. And don't forget the float switch — give it a gentle wipe-down to remove any grime that could limit its movement and prevent proper triggering.
This regular cleaning ritual prevents clogs and buildup that would force your pump to work harder than designed. Just a few minutes of maintenance each quarter can prevent complete system failure during those critical moments when flood waters threaten your basement.
Check the Discharge Line Outside
Your sump pump system doesn't end at your basement wall. The discharge line carries water away from your home, making it just as crucial to your flood prevention strategy as the pump itself. So, take a quick walk outside every few months — especially after major storms — to inspect several key aspects of your discharge system.
Start by confirming the line positioning directs water properly away from your foundation, ideally a good 10-20 feet, to prevent water recycling back toward your home. After that, check the discharge outlet itself, clearing away any accumulated dirt, leaves, vegetation, or debris that might block water flow.
During winter months, pay special attention to potential ice blockages that could force water back into your basement. Finally, run your hand along the external piping to feel for any cracks, splits, or loose connections that might leak or fail under pressure.
Many devastating water damage incidents happen simply because homeowners diligently maintain the pump itself but completely overlook the discharge line. When water can't exit your property correctly, it simply recirculates back toward your foundation, completely defeating the purpose of your entire sump system.
What to Leave to the Pros
Some parts of sump pump care go beyond what most homeowners can handle on their own. Basic cleaning and regular checks can go a long way, but when deeper problems show up, reaching out to a professional makes a big difference.
Electrical issues, stuck valves, or a failing motor call for licensed expertise. These components play a direct role in how well your pump moves water out of your basement. Mistakes during repairs could lead to bigger problems down the line, like system failure during a heavy storm.
A plumber brings the right tools and training to spot issues before they cause a flood. They’ll run a full diagnostic, check amperage levels, test the float switch, and inspect the discharge pipe inside and out. If buildup hides deep in the line or the check valve wears out, they’ll fix it fast without guesswork.
For pumps connected to sewer lines or located near other sensitive basement systems, professional help becomes even more important. A licensed plumber makes sure everything stays safe and up to code.
It helps to think of a yearly service as part of your home’s seasonal routine. Booking one before a wet spring or after a heavy rainfall gives you peace of mind. Your pump stays ready, and you’re less likely to face surprises when the weather shifts.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Sump Pump
Every pump has a life span. After 7–10 years, even a well-maintained model starts to wear down. Motors weaken, float switches wear out, and performance can drop without much warning.
Here are signs that it may be time for a replacement:
- Loud, unusual noises during the operation
- Constant cycling on and off
- Water that remains in the pit after the pump runs
- Visible rust or corrosion on any part
- Frequent power failures or tripped circuits
Call S and J Plumbing for All Your Sump Pump Needs
Your sump pump works silently until disaster strikes, which is why proper maintenance keeps this critical system ready for action.
Here at S and J Plumbing, we specialize in comprehensive sump pump services, from routine professional inspections to emergency repairs when you need them most. Our experienced technicians truly understand how Illinois's challenging seasons affect your basement protection needs throughout the year.
So, don't gamble with waiting until flood waters threaten your home. Give us a call today to book your sump pump inspection. Your basement deserves reliable protection, and we're here to help you maintain it.
